Student Opportunities

Internships

The Social Work Internship program is directed by Fiona Bullock. Social work students complete a 420-hour internship over the three quarters of their senior year. Seniors have recently engaged in internships at the following agencies: Aldea, Inc., Independent Living Program and V.O.I.C.E.S (Napa), Beverly Living Center (Napa), Napa Valley Shelter Project (Napa), San Francisco Aids Foundation (San Francisco), Sonoma County Child Protective Services (Santa Rosa), Valley of the Moon (Santa Rosa), and the Volunteer Center of Napa (Napa). You can contact Fiona Bullock at (707) 965-6549 for further information

Fieldwork in psychology is coordinated by Dr. Charlene Bainum. Psychology students have the opportunity to receive a hands-on introduction to activities and roles related to the field of psychology through a placement in a local service agency. Students practice the basic ethical codes and professional standards of the American Psychological Association. Recent placements have included Angwin Community Teen Center, Crestwood Center at Napa Valley, Napa State Hospital, and St. Helena Hospital.

Clubs, Honor Societies, and Activities

Psi Chi Honor Society
Psi Chi Honor Society is a national honor society for psychology students. The purpose of Psi Chi is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship and to advance the science of psychology. Our PUC chapter encourages academic interest in psychology, plans social events, conducts fundraiser, and has one service project per year. Each year the PUC chapter helps students attend the annual convention of the Western Psychological Association. Most Psi Chi members present research at this convention.

Phi Alpha Honor Society
Phi Alpha Honor Society is a national honor society for social work students. The purpose of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals. Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work. Phi Alpha was formed on a National level in 1962 and there are presently over 50 chapters nationwide, including PUC.

Social Work Forum
Social Work Forum sponsors social, spiritual, and service events throughout the school year. A key role of the Social Work Forum is to manage the week-to-week operation of the Angwin Food Pantry, providing food assistance to Angwin and Pope Valley residents. The Forum also hosts events including pre-vespers programs at the homes of faculty members, ice-cream socials, beach days, and attending Giant's baseball games. They hold fund-raisers such as car washes and Valentine's Day balloon bouquets. The funds raised are used to attend conferences, sponsor social events, and support community service projects like the Angwin Food Pantry.

Student Employment

Approximately eight students are employed by the department each school year. Contact the office at (707) 965-6546 for openings. Readers assist with grading, photocopying, and other duties for their supervising professors. Lab assistants assist with teaching labs and grading lab assignments.

Psychology & Social Work Awards & Scholarships

Each year students who demonstrate unusual promise for success in their chosen field, demonstrate academic excellence, or consistently go above and beyond the call of their work duties are publicly and financially recognized. The last few years, such recognition has been granted to our students as follows:

Association for Psychological Science Membership Award for ExcellenceThis award is given for demonstrating unusual promise for success in the career of psychology and for advanced study in the discipline.

National Association of Social Workers Membership Award for ExcellenceThis award is given for demonstrating unusual promise for success in the career of social work and for advanced study in the discipline.

Adrian Zytkoskee Award for Outstanding Achievement in Psychology This award, placed in the name of Dr. Adrian Zytkoskee in 2011, is given for excellence and overall contribution to the undergraduate psychology program. Unusual promise for a successful future in the field and a willingness to go the "extra mile" in searching for knowledge and understanding are also considered in granting the award.

Evaline West Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social WorkThis award, placed in the name of Evaline West in 2012, is given for excellence and overall contribution to the undergraduate Social Work Program. Unusual promise for a successful future in the field and a willingness to go the "extra mile" in searching for knowledge and understanding are also considered in granting the award.

Employee of the YearThis award is given for being an invaluable worker in the Department of Psychology & Social Work. Consistently going above and beyond the call of duty and contributing to the positive/productive atmosphere of the department are also considered in granting the award.

Pepper, N., Butler, M. D., & Montoya, J. (2006). Secondary syringe exchangers: Who are they and why do they exchange for others. Paper presented at the meeting of the National Harm Reduction Conference, Oakland, CA.